At least 14 individuals lost their lives in Balochistan and Punjab on Saturday due to lightning strikes amidst heavy downpours, as reported by Geo News, citing official sources.
The tragic incidents occurred as westerly waves swept through the regions, claiming lives in various districts. Four fatalities were recorded in Surab, Dera Bugti, and Pishin districts of Balochistan due to lightning strikes.
Among the victims were two youths, Farid Ahmed and Jabir Ahmed, who were struck while sitting in a garden in the Tanak area of Surab district. Additionally, lightning claimed the lives of one person each in Pishin and Dera Bugti districts.
Further casualties were reported in Punjab, with two children succumbing to lightning strikes in Basti Kalwar of Rahim Yar Khan district. Additionally, incidents occurred in Thul Hassan, Basti Khokhran Feroza, Khan Bela, and Mari Allah, claiming several more lives.
In response to the severe weather conditions, which also included rain, thunderstorms, and dusty winds impacting the whole region of Balochistan and various areas of Punjab, authorities have initiated measures to address the situation.
Quetta, particularly, experienced significant rainfall, alleviating the recent heatwave and providing relief from high temperatures. However, the inclement weather led to electrical collapses in numerous feeders, resulting in widespread power outages in the city.
Moreover, hailstorms were reported in several areas, including Washuk, Khuzdar, Mastung, and Bolan, further affecting the weather conditions.
In light of the unexpected weather events, directives have been issued to local authorities by the Balochistani administration to take necessary precautions. Chief Minister Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti has instructed the removal of encroachments from natural drainage routes, and district disaster management authorities have been put on alert.